Initiation Ceremonies.
The Initiation Ceremony is the same for gentlemen as for ladies, and both may receive the degrees at the same time. The necessary changes in language must be made as circumstances require. The time having arrived for initiation, and it being probable that candidates are in waiting, if robes are used, the officers retire, and prepare for the ceremony of initiation.
W. M. Sister Associate Conductress.
A. C. Worthy Matron.
W. M. You will retire and ascertain if there are candidates in waiting to receive the degrees.
The Associate Conductress advances to the west of the Altar, gives the Sign of Salutation, and (the Warder having given the usual raps and opened the door,) retires. Ascertaining the name of the candidate, she returns, and standing west of the Altar, gives the Sign of Salutation and says:
A. C. Worthy Matron, I find in waiting — — who is desirous of being initiated into our Order.
The Worthy Matron invites the Worthy Patron to preside for the purpose of conferring the degrees. The Worthy Patron, taking the chair, says:
W. P. Sister Secretary.
Sec'y. Worthy Patron.
W. P. Has this candidate been elected to receive the degrees of the Order?
Sec'y. She has, Worthy Patron.
W. P. Sister Associate Conductress, you will retire and prepare the candidate for the ceremonies of initiation.
She gives the sign, and retires as before. Taking the candidate into the preparation room, she says:
A. C. Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being? Ans. I do.
My friend, human life is a labyrinth through which we all wander blindly, and too often, in ignorance. It is good to consider the experience of others, and profit by their knowledge and example. Having received the degrees of our Order, and therefore being able to assist you, permit me to direct your preparation for the ceremonies of initiation.
She then removes the candidate's hat, gloves and shawl or cloak, prepares and leads her to the
door of the Chapter-room. The Associate Conductress gives five raps upon the door, ** ** *
Cond. Worthy Patron, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room.
W. P. Sister Conductress, you will ascertain the cause of the alarm.
The Conductress goes to the door, answers the alarm, ** ** * * and opening the door, says:
Cond. Who knocks at the door of our Chapter?
A. C. The Associate Conductress with a candidate, who desires to be initiated into our Order.
Cond. Is she properly prepared?
A. C. She is.
Cond. My friend, you will wait until further orders are received from the Worthy Patron.
The Conductress closes the door, and, advancing to a position in front of the Associate Matron, facing the East, says:
Cond. Worthy Patron, the alarm was caused by the Associate Conductress with a candidate, who desires to receive the degrees of our Order.
W. P. Is the candidate properly prepared?
Cond. She is.
W. P. You will admit her.
The Conductress returning to the door, opens it wide, and says:
Cond. It is the order of the Worthy Patron that you be admitted to our Chapter.
Before the door is opened to receive the candidate the lights may be turned down, and soft music played during this lecture by the Conductress. The candidate is led inside the door and stopped. The Conductress then says to her:
Cond. You have doubtless well considered the step you have taken in seeking admission to this Order, dedicated to Charity, Truth, and Loving-kindness. You came here of your own free choice. Complain not, therefore, at any trial. A seal is here set upon your lips. Let it warn you to be ever silent and secret, as to all that may be made known to you here. Be not weary in well-doing. Woe unto those who seek to take upon themselves burdens which they cannot bear. Woe unto the faithless and insincere, who assume obligations lightly and forthwith forget them. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths."
Conductress offers her right arm to the candidate. If there are two the Associate Conductress offers her left arm to the candidate and in like manner follows with the second. The Associate Conductress assists only when necessary to form couples. The candidate is conducted once around the room to the Associate Matron. Officers and members always observe square corners.
During the march, vocal or instrumental music is furnished, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following:
W. P. "Though I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal."
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind: charity envieth not."
"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."
"And now abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity."
Having arrived at the West, the candidate is introduced to the Associate Matron.
Cond. Sister Associate Matron.
A. M. Sister Conductress.
Cond. I have the honor of introducing — — who is to be presented by you to the Worthy Matron.
A. M. My friend, you are heartily welcome. Sister Conductress, you will cause the candidate to face the East.
Conductress and candidate face the East.
A. M. Worthy Matron, I have the honor to present — —whose petition has been approved by this Chapter, and who is now ready to assume our Obligation.
The Worthy Matron rises and addresses the candidate.
W. M. It is with pleasure that I welcome you into this Chapter. Your relation to the Masonic fraternity, and the recommendations presented in your behalf, assure us that you merit the honor we confer, and are worthy of the important trust with which we are about to invest you. The Order of the Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Freemasonry, which is to provide for the welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters of Master Masons.
Here they may share with the Masonic brother in promulgating the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Here we may aid, comfort, and protect each other in our journey through the labyrinth of human life, and by cheerful companionship and social enjoyments, lighten the burdens of active duty.
By means of secret signs, and other work of the Order, we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet.
We are governed by the laws and regulations of the Grand Chapter, and by a code of By-Laws framed by ourselves. These we are bound to obey so long as we remain members of the Order, and in this obedience, we shall expect you to share.
Addressing the Worthy Patron, the Worthy Matron says:
Worthy Patron, it is with pleasure that I introduce to you this candidate, who is prepared to assume the Obligation of the Order.
W. P. The obligation you are about to take is a solemn pledge which you must give to this Chapter, before you can participate in the privileges of our Order. By it you bind yourself to the most solemn secrecy respecting the work of the Order, and to the performance of those acts of kindness and forbearance, which are essential to our welfare and prosperity.
With this knowledge of its requirements are you willing to proceed?
Cand. I am.
W. P. Sister Conductress, you will cause the candidate to be in proper position at the Altar to receive the Obligation. (1.)
During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music.
Cond. Worthy Patron, the candidate is in proper position.
The Chapter is called up, and the Worthy Patron takes his position on the east side of the Altar, and causes the candidate to repeat after him the following. Soft music may be played during obligation.